23 villages submerged in Teesta basin

More than 10,000 people of 23 villages in the char areas of Teesta and Dharala rivers have been trapped in flood water following onrush of water from upstream hilly areas.

The trans-boundary Teesta river was flowing 8 cm above the danger level at Doyani point on Tuesday morning.

The officials of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) said the situation became worsened as India had opened maximum sluice-gates of the Gazaldoba barrage.

"Now, water is entering Bangladesh with a heavy pace," they added.

Villages including Dahagram and Angarpota, Saniajan of Hatibandha, Gaddimari, Singimari,Cinduna, Patikapara and Dowabari union of Patgram upazila, Parshabati of Kaliganj upazila and Aminganj ofBariatiof Aditmari upazila are the worse affected, according to the BWDB officials.

Meanwhile, 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage have been opened to control the flow of water.

Besides, the temporary embankments inDhurnivillage of Hatibandha upazila are also now at risk, they said.

"If the onrush continues, water may submerge the town as well," locals said.

The water level started to rise from Monday morning and the condition is being worsened gradually, they added.

BWDB Executive Engineer Rafiqul Alam Chowdhury of Teesta Barrage Irrigation Project said the situation will be worsened more if the onrush of water from upstream hilly areas continues.